A GROUP of driving instructors have teamed up to bring to Perth what they believe is the future of driving schools.
Launched recently in Maddington, Driver Simulators Pty Ltd is the brainchild of Brian Pereira, who is a part owner of a WA driving school and has been an instructor for more than 20 years.
Mr Pereira said he first had the idea for a driver simulator machine about two years ago and began looking for a manufacturer.
He then found three partners – all of whom are experienced driving instructors.
“As the sole distributors for Australia and New Zealand we have been given the right to manufacture the simulator locally,” Mr Pereira said.
“The driving simulator will revolutionise the way that teenagers and mature learners learn to drive mainly because the environment in which they learn is completely safe – the elimination of risk provides a more relaxed learning experience.
“Difficult situations can be easily repeated until learners become comfortable with them and the machine allows drivers to experience different and realistic scenarios from country to city driving, all under safe conditions.
“Realistic imagery helps develop an awareness of driving conditions and helps build confidence with realistic driving conditions, which benefits learners greatly when they eventually get on the roads.”
Mr Pereira said the simulator was the only one of its kind in the country.
The simulator features a cockpit with driving controls, dynamic force feedback steering wheel, three simulated mirrors, 200-degree horizontal view, adjustable car seat, three plasma displays and a 3D sound system.